Examining the effect of fleet management on competitive advantage in the transport industry (Published)
The study assessed the impact of fleet management practices on competitive advantage in the Ghanaian transport sector within the Kumasi metropolis. The study was conducted on a sample of 200 firms with which 178 responses were successfully received representing 89% response rate. Data was collected using questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting respondents. The research designs adopted was explanatory and was analyzed using IBM Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 20. Regression, correlation and Cronbach alpha coefficients were used for data analysis. The study revealed that, repair and maintenance, fuel and driver management, and training have positive effect on competitive advantage whiles vehicle tracking have an inverse relationship with competitive advantage. The study recommended that, firms should employ experts in the field of fleet management to give them advice on how to implement fleet management practices to enhance service delivery hence giving them an edge over competitors.
Keywords: Competitive Advantage, Fleet Management, fuel management, repair and maintenance
Impact of Logistics Outsourcing Services on Company Transport Cost in Selected Manufacturing Companies in South Western Nigeria (Published)
Transport costs arise from carrying inventory in-transit, from numerous operations connected with frequent and small deliveries resulted from just in time deliveries. Low costs, short time of transport and accepted level of risk are crucial for logistics managers. Focus on customer needs’ satisfaction, order fulfillment, short transit time, on-time delivery; gives transport costs a new dimension. The research was carried out within manufacturing companies in south western Nigeria. The population of the study consists of top management staff, this includes logistics, procurement and marketing managers. The sample of this study consisted 10 Manufacturing companies from the list of fifty (50) quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange modified by Manufacturing Association of Nigeria in 2005. The data collected was analyzed using of regression analysis. The analysis shows that logistics outsourcing helps manufacturing companies to reduce transport cost. Transport is needed throughout the whole supply chain being the link between supply chain members. Consequently quality of transport service affects the competitiveness of the entire supply chain. The findings revealed efficient transport cost among outbound logistics activities indicating their significant effect on reducing transport cost. The paper recommended that outsourcing be encouraged. This is in order to promote economies of scale which reduces cost, enhances fleet management, as well as customers’ satisfaction.
Keywords: Customer Satisfaction, Fleet Management, Logistic Management, Logistics Services, Outsourcing, Transport, Transport Cost